C'mon Lululemon, Give Us a Chili Red Deep V!!!

Dear Lululemon,

If you can make this fugly gray and neon yellow Deep V, can you please make a pretty one in that GORGEOUS Chili Red (or Poppy!) you have on your palette? I've seen this blah, uninspired color combo numberous times before from Nike and Adidas, but you, Lululemon, have this wonderful rainbow of colors and you are not taking advantage of it.

Signed,

A Lululemon Addict BEGGING You To Make/Dying To Spend Money On Tops in Chili Red

Product Alert - Flounce Tight

FYI for you teenagers with skinny legs and parents with deep pockets. For the rest of us professional women who can actually afford to pay Lululemon prices, I'll get on my cranky old lady soapbox now. I've read that when Lululemon was founded it was designed for active women in their 30s. That was over 10 years ago. Who is your core market Lululemon? Hint, the people make the type of money to be able to pay $100 for pants you wear to exercise. I know that at my local stores in Orange County, CA, a style-setting place in the world, the Tight and Mini is already on markdown so the market for these skirt/tights (skights?) combos seems to be limited.

Features:

• Get cheaky in this flirty flounce pant!
• Made with luon, our signature fabric
• Coolmax gusset designed for sport
• Chafe resistant flat seams

Product Alert News - Run: Spirit Tight

Just got a product alert for the new Run: Spirit Tight and thought those of you who are runners might be interested. I am a huge fan of Lululemon's running line.

These are now available on the website. Kind of an odd looking design with the puckers up the shin. They also come in a solid black version.

Features:

• Full length, fully functional run tight you'll never want to take off
• Made of 4-way stretch power luxtreme for 'no bounce' muscle support and quick drying wicking capabilities
• High rise tight with lowered "groove" band that sits below longer tops
• Figure slimming flatlocked seam lines for less abrasion
• Rib hem that won't get stretched out and allows for easy on-and-off
• Back zipper pocket for cards and keys
• Strong elastic waistband with internal drawcord for added support

Hot Set Tank - Want It!!!

Lululemon has come out with a tank version of its Hot Set Bra - the new Hot Set Tank - and I cannot wait to try it on. It's made of power luxtreme for the bra part and soft, breathable circle mesh for the rest. I tried on the Hot Set Bra a while ago and found it very comfortable so I imagine this top will be comfortable and cool. It is definitely a low support tank but I've been pairing my low support tanks with a coordinating Flow Y bra when I want extra support.

As I've written numerous times now I am a major fan of circle mesh, particularly for heavy duty cardio. I do spin classes and my tops made of circle mesh really help keep me cool. Silverescent is also very breathable but those ugly lines of silver tend to detract from its looks. It is also very easy to snag. I wash all my silverescent in a mesh bag when I wash my Lululemon and I'm already washing on a hand wash cycle in the first place. Circle mesh is a little heavier weight and stretchier than silverescent so I find it a more forgiving fabric when it comes to areas you'd like to camouflage.

Try On Report: I liked this tank a lot but it was not for me. It fits very snug in the bust and it definitely very low support. The style definitely fits true to size or a bit snug. The bandeau style did not look that great on me either. Sometimes the low support tanks like the Conditioning or Gather V work for me even though I am larger chested but in the case of this tank, it didn't. I tried a Flow Y underneath to help with the support but didn't like the way it looked. If you are smaller chested and your boobs haven't been affected by gravity, age, or a couple of kids, this tank will work for you.

PS - Thanks to HoundLover for pointing out the Lululemon model has a new saucy stance. It is a vast improvement over the former In-Front-Of-A-Firing-Squad look.

PPS - I also love the Hot Set Shorts the model is wearing in the photo. Lululemon - please consider making them in a size 12.

PPPS - The hubby has agreed to babysit so I'm off to Lululemon to try on the new stuff - yipee!!!

Product Features:

• Ready to sweat it out in class? This hot little number is for you!
• Made with power luxtreme
• Side seam gathers for personalized length & ventilation
• Three hooks in the back to adjust straps as you choose
• Light & anti stink circle mesh bra
• Soft exposed elastic for ease of movement & comfort

Ariel Tank - Must Try It On!

A new low support, adjustable tank called the Ariel Tank in mood-lifting Bright Blue. Lululemon has released a bunch of cute, thin-strapped low support tanks in the past year and I've liked every one of them - Twisted Tank, Gather V Tank, Conditioning Tank, Free Ya, Bulerias, & Sequence Tank to name a few.

This tank looks very similar to the Conditioning Tank with it's adjustable straps, empire waist, and straight back but it is made of luon and luon light instead of lullure and circlemesh. The Conditioning Tanks was one of my favorites from the summer line - very comfortable and flattering. I pair it with a Flow Y underneath when I want more support and I would think you could do that with this tank, too. I cannot wait to try this tank on.

Product Features:

• Bring grace to your yoga class in this elegant tank
• Low support tank with cup pockets for added coverage and lift
• Adjustable elastic straps allow you to choose the length right for you
• Top of tank is made with luon for extra support
• Bottom of tank is made of luon light, for extra breathability
• Soft scalloped elastic straps for comfort
• Chafe resistant - flat seams

Persistance Tank - What Makes This Worth 58?

Here is the new Persistance Tank in Antidote. I can't decide if I like it from the photo, I'll have to try it on but I'm 80% sure my verdict is going to be 'meh', especially at full price. It's made of luxtreme in the top and circlemesh on this bottom which will make it a very breathable, cool feeling top. What I don't get is why this costs $58 since it isn't made of the more technical silverescent fabric, has rather simple construction, and doesn't even have a built in bra. I also think the zigzag stitching around the neckline and armholes looks rather cheap. Granted I did pay $58 for my new No Limit Tank but that was basically a Flow Y bra with an attached tank made of circlemesh. It also had a unique very fashion-forward design whereas this tank is rather mundane looking. Is Lululemon trying to ease us into $58 being the new price point? A top has to be very special for me to go there on a regular basis.

Product Features:

• Ideal shelfless tank to wear over your full support bra of choice
• Adjustable strap width for customizable coverage
• Made of circle mesh with anti-stink and wicking properties
• 4-way stretch Luxtreme® provides added support to bust
• Body-skimming torso with longer length hem
• Hem drawcord to prevent the top from riding up

Antidote - Not My Favorite

Not lovin' this color combination on the Swift Tank. I might like it better with a white or black background but not this bug-guts green. This shade of green is hard to pull off successfully.

Observations on Some of the Newest Products

I haven't been able to get down to the Lululemon store for a few weeks since school began but finally made some time today. I saw quite a few new things and liked a lot of what I saw. Here are my observations:

RUN: SWIFTLY RACERBACK - Racerback version of the tee shirt. Very soft and lightweight to the touch. I would love feeling this fabric against the skin which is odd because I tried on the tee shirt version months ago when it first came out and didn't really like the feel of the fabric. The fabric used in this racerback is totally different - very silky feeling. If it was between the Cool Racerback and this one, I'd probably choose this based on feel alone. It has a much deeper armhole than the Cool Racerback and will expose your bra a lot more.

Run Swiftly Racerback Features:

• Our core basic racerback to layer with your bra of choice
• Lightweight seamless knit with mesh venting in high sweat areas
• Silverescent™ for anti-stink & anti-static properties
• Loose fit with dropped armholes for ultimate ease of movement
• Lycra® for shape retention
• Wicking
• Seam free to reduce chafing

LAID BACK LONG SLEEVE TEE - Very soft, lightweight Vitasea tee. Has contrasting decorative stitching that shows up really nicely in the black. Long length will cover your butt. Will definitely put this on my list of tops to get. Wish they made one that belled out at the bottom so could use it as a coverup. Magnum is a very nice color, like a grayish brown, and looked really nice with my Teak Still pants.

Laid Back LS Tee Features:

• Everyday long sleeve tee to wear to the gym, work, bed, studio, in the garden, fixing the roof, and traveling…you name it and we've got you covered!
• Long body length perfect for layering
• Made with Vitasea
• Chafe resistant flat seams
• It's also preshrunk!! Nice

Other quick thoughts - The Gratitude Wrap looks very comfy and cute in real life. The Huff N Puff vest is really pretty and shiny. The Run: Empower Crop IIs are serious running equipment - you better have thin legs for this pant, the power luxtreme really holds you in. The Super Sweat One is made of circlemesh and luxtreme or luon light and very well constructed - a really unique piece. The Hot Set bra was not a hit and is on the markdown rack now. Lolo Purple is really pretty. The Dark Denim is darker than it looks on the website and a very cool color. The Athletic Deep V in Red Space Dye is so noisy and irritating it practically gives me seizures.

Start It Up Pant - Try On Review

It's not really clear from the Lululemon website that the Start It Up Pant is a hybrid of Luon and Swift fabrics. The backside from the waistband down is luon and the front of the leg is made of Swift. I tried on a pair and they felt comfortable and stretchy but they were too tight on me so I couldn't give them an adequate evaluation as to what activity I would actually use them for in my life. I'm not exactly sure why you wouldn't buy the all Swift Run: Ultra pant or the Dance: Studio Pant, maybe because you want more stretch when you sit. Anyone who has a pair feel free to comment.

Product Features:

• The perfect pant to start off 'ur workout with
• Luon fabric adds extra stretch so these pants will move with you in any activity
• Double layer waistband can be rolled down for a lower rise look
• Front zip pockets to secure $ & keys
• Drawcord at hem to keep u'r pants out of puddles
• $98
  

Classic Bra - Thank You Lululemon!

For those of us who need a scoop necked sports bra and overwhelm the Flow Y with our boobtasticness, the new Classic Bra is your answer. It offers medium support with a narrow racer back.

I tried this on and found it supportive and comfortable - definitely a lot more supportive than the Flow Y. I would have gotten one but I opted to get the No Limit Tank instead. It's definitely on my list to pick one up next time I go shopping. My store had it in white and Torrid. Can't wait to see this come in more colors.

PS - The tag says it fits perfectly under the Cool Racerback Tank. I dunno about that. A little of the racer t showed underneath the Cool Racerback I tried it on with. However, you can have fun layering the colors. The educator in the store had one layered with two Cool Racerbacks. I would also like to see this up to a size 14.

Classic Bra Product Features:
- Medium support bra designed for the girl looking for an all around activity bra.
- Made from Luon our signature fabric
- Removable cups to customize your support
- Wider straps for maximum weight distribution
- Bra racerback fits perfectly under Cool Racerback Tank
- Chafe resistant flat seams
- Soft brushed bra elastic for added comfort
- $42

No Limit Tank - Bringing Fashion Into the Gym/Studio

The No Limit Tank is a great example of what Lululemon does best - bringing fashion into athletic wear. The middle photo is of a similar looking casual-wear top by Ella Moss, a popular designer here in LA.

The No Limit Tank is basically a luon Flow Y bra with a blousy, loose-fitting circle mesh tank attached at the neckline and in back. I have stretched it out to show the details. It doesn't really dip as low as it looks in the armpit area to expose your sides. On me there is about a 1" deep and 2" wide triangle of skin showing (I'm 5'5") which I am not thrilled about but my heart rate monitor strap covers it up just fine.

As I have written before I am a huge fan of circle mesh. I think this top is a great combination of functionality and fashion. It's breathable, comfortable, feminine, and sexy. It would be perfect for a studio class or hot yoga (or even a night out). It would probably make a great tank for those who are expecting since there is plenty of room in the tummy area and you can adjust the length to blouse it up as much as you want.

PS - I wore this to spin yesterday and loved it. My back felt very cool.

No Limit Tank Product Features:
- Push yourself to the limit in circuit class without breaking a sweat!
- 2 in 1 Tank - Luon bra that offers low/moderate support, loose circle mesh outer layer offers coverage and max airflow
- Wide waistband for comfort and fit
- Chafe resistant, flat-seamed
- $58
- My tag said this top was made in Canada! (yay for North American manufacturing!)

Free Ya Tank in Real Life - So Flattering!

The Free Ya Tank is one of my favorites from the Fall Line. As usual, the Lululemon model does not do it justice, however the photo of a real life educator shows just how flattering this top is, especially if you are built like a normal woman with a waist, hips, and a little something on top.

Free Ya Tank Features:

• Free 'ur back with this wide scoop back tank
• Made with luon, our signature fabric
• Low/medium support tank w/ built-in bra
• Adjustable strap that comes with it's own pocket to keep u'r strap inside u'r tank
• Bra has pockets for cups

Bulerias Tank In Real Life - Your Mileage May Vary

I've posted a couple of photos of the Bulerias Tank to help those of you who are thinking of ordering one. There was a post Lululemon's Facebook page from a person who had the older version of the Bulerias. She warned that the pleats have a tendency to puff out and make you look heavier. The top photo is of an educator modeling the Bulerias where it looks like the 'puffy' effect has taken place. Perhaps it would lay flatter if she went up a size. However, she probably chose that size to be snug on her chest which is always my first consideration in buying a top with a built in bra. I haven't had an opportunity to try one on yet so I can't give a first hand report but these photos are illuminating. I still think the Bulerias looks very pretty and comfortable and I don't know if the puffy effect would particularly bother me but it is something to be aware of.

PS - The bottom photo is of the older Dance Strap Tank that Tracy mentions in the comments as having a better fit on the body.

Try On Notes - I tried this on today. I looked a lot like the top photo of the educator. If you have some boobs, the top part is going to look "short" like it does on the educator, which kind of ruins the proportions of the tank. I think this top works best for very thin, less endowed women (although read Tracy's comment - she says she does have much chest-wise and it did the same to her). It definitely fits true to size. Too bad they didn't make a size 12.

Reese Witherspoon in Lululemon

Reese Witherspoon in Power Y and Wonder Unders.

More Lululemon in Malibu

From the 2008 Malibu Triathalon. Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy in head to toe Lululemon again.

Lululemon at the Malibu Triathalon

Terri Hatcher in what sure looks like Groove Pants. William H. Macy and wife, Felicity Huffman, in head to toe Lululemon.

Lululemon Move Tank on Yoga Journal Cover

One of the prettiest, most eye-catching Lululemon tanks to come out this spring season - the Move Tank in the Paradise Kiss Chipper Print. Glad I got one when they were in the store.

Lululemon on TV - New Adventures of Old Christine

They just replayed the the episode of New Adventures of Old Christine wear Christine wear something like 6 different Lululemon outfits. Shown here: An Athletic Deep V and Groove Pants.

In Praise of Circle Mesh

It's been in the 90s with high humidity for the past two weeks here in Southern California. Never have I appreciated wearing Lululemon's Circle Mesh fabric more than I have lately. I have two tops made from Circle Mesh - the Sequence Tank and the Conditioning Tank (reviews are given below). Lululemon also uses Circle Mesh in various high sweat areas on its running line.

I think I find Circle Mesh even more breathable than Silverescent. It definitely feels softer against the skin. Also, Circle Mesh doesn't have those ugly lines of silver running through it which detract from the looks of the tops. Lululemon uses silver to control odor but is stinkiness really that big a worry with women? I wonder if Lululemon could design a Deep V using Circle Mesh on the abdomen similar to its use on the Sequence tank. That would be awesome.

More Celeb Lululemon - LeAnn Rimes Again

LeAnn in the Run: Race Tech top and the Hip Hop crops.